CEC Announces By-Elections Valid

The Central Election Commission (CEC) announced the October 24 by-elections in four single-mandate constituencies of Georgia valid. According to official reports, out of 177 thousand eligible voters, 65 thousand, or 35%, cast a ballot.

“The highest voter turnout was reported in the Zestaponi and Gori provincial constituencies. The voter turnout was lower in Tbilisi’s two – Krtsanisi and Didube – single-mandate constituencies,” CEC Chairman Zurab Nonikashvili said on October 24.

According to the amendment to the election code approved by the Georgian Parliament on October 12, the participation by one-third of all eligible voters is no longer necessary to declare by-elections valid.

The CEC Chairman said that the by-elections were held in a calm atmosphere with minor procedural violations.

The Central Election Commission rejected making any forecasts. However, it is assumed that the pro-governmental candidates will win the elections in all four single-mandate constituencies.